New Delhi: BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday came under attack for his remarks describing Mahatma Gandhi as a “shrewd bania” with Congress and other opposition parties demanding an apology from him for “insulting” the Father of the Nation.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Shah’s remarks while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed them “unethical and unfortunate” and said he should immediately withdraw them.
Surjewala told media persons here that Shah had committed a heinous crime and anti-national act.
“We demand that Amit Shah, BJP and Prime Minister Narendra should apologise to the people and the families of the freedom fighters of the country for insulting their struggle. Shah has indulged in a heinous crime and an anti-national act. There can’t be a bigger crime than this,” he said.
Surjewala said identifying Gandhi with caste exposes the “real face, character and mindest” of Shah.
Surjewala said Shah had insulted the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle by associating Mahatma Gandhi with a business model.
“Has the entire struggle become a mere business? Was building the nation a business. Only Amit Shah, who does trade of power and BJP can give such indications. Would Mahatma Gandhi be now identified with his caste?” he asked.
Hitting back at Shah, Surjewala said the “Britishers used Hindu Mahasabha and the Sangh as a special purpose vehicle for the partition of the country.”
“After independence, they have become a vehicle to oppress Dalits, and the weaker sections. This is their real face and character,” he added.
